Thursday, July 8, 2010

Delft Scavenger Hunt 7/8, Nick Reale & Tucker Warner

Westerstraat Woonerf: The world's first woonerf.

Bus Sluice (bus-only passage) in Hof van Delft - Sluice allows for bus and bicycle traffic, but cars are prohibited.

Refuge cycle track: Bike lane turns into short section of cycle track at intersection to provide a separate signal phase for cyclists and improve overall safety.

Bicycle street in Delftse Hout: Groved shoulder funnels bikers into road to prevent cars from making unsafe passes. The cyclists in this picture are not following the intended use.

Bicycle street Ezelsveldlaan: It is intended for bicycle use to dominate the pace of this road. However, we observed cars traveling much faster than desired.

Transit unfriendly TU Delft / Two-way cycle track: TU Delft campus is relatively inaccessible by public transport. The bicycle lane shown above was redesigned to allow the two way bike traffic that was already happening.

IKEA, but not much more, at a freeway exit: Located off a freeway, this IKEA is easily accessible by car but not easily accessible by bike or bus. Although box stores are not typically allowed in the Netherlands, this was because it sells large items. Most people choose to drive to IKEA in order to get their large items home with them so the location is fitting.

Pocket bike lane: Function follows intended use as cyclists approaching this intersection can more easily and safely turn left.

Demolition of Delftseweg: This cycle track along the canal now provides a safe and efficient route between Delft and Den Haag

Rue de Beerenbrouckstraat: frequent median pedestrian aisles and raised but mountable cobble medians force drivers to shift laterally which has greatly reduced speed and accidents at intersections.

Traffic calming on 80kmh suburban road: New speed tables and speed cameras have effectively reduced speed and improved safety at this intersection.

Delft South Station: New bike lockers are amongst some of the modern features at the station and are providing users with more safety.

Bus only passage in Tantof: This road allows only busses and restricts cars with the use of a sluice.

Signal priority for trams and busses / busses use the tram reservation: As busses and trams approach the intersection, they are given signal priority allowing them to pass through more quickly. Busses travel in the tram reservation.

Abstwoude bicycle bridge and tunnel: This bridge and tunnel was added as part of the Delft Bicycle Network Project.
Bicycle parking at Delft Station: Here commuters park their bicycles before using the train or bus service.

Delft's "Big Dig": Cranes work to build a new underground station as well as relocate the rail tracks.

Tantof, a huge 30kmh zone: This community was designed to be easily accesible by bike and not by car. Bikers find direct and time efficient routes throughout the community, while car drivers are forced to travel very indirectly from place to place.

Koepoort parking: This sign directs cars to an underground parking lot. The lot provides a service to the Old City, while keeping parking congestion and traffic away from the streets.

Bicycle contra-flow: While cars are only able to drive this street in one direction, bikers can travel in both. There are no centerlines or bike lanes, allowing cars to pass bikers on either side of the street.

Bikes allowed in pedestrian zone: Experience shows that cyclists respect pedestrian priority by going slow and dismounting when pedestrian traffic is heavy.

Traffic restrictions in old city: Movable bollards allow permitted access to certain streets. This allows trucks and city vehicles to service nearby businesses, while keeping cars out.


Marketplace: come here to buy your goodies!